So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:12KJV
Know the Bible

2 Corinthians 4:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 4:12 mean?

2 Corinthians 4:12 means that Paul and his companions experience suffering and even the threat of death as they serve, but through their hardships, the people they minister to receive spiritual life. Paul is pointing out a contrast: his own hardships lead to benefits for others.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining how his ministry involves personal sacrifice. He highlights that while he and his fellow workers face constant danger ("death worketh in us"), the result is that the Corinthian believers enjoy the blessings of new life in Christ. This verse fits into a larger section where Paul describes the cost and purpose of his ministry.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 4:12

  • θάνατος (thanatos, "death"): This word refers to physical death but can also mean suffering or mortal danger. Paul uses it to describe the real risks and hardships he faces.
  • ἐνεργεῖται (energeitai, "worketh"): This verb means "is at work" or "is active." Paul is saying that death is not just a possibility but is actively present in his ministry.
  • ζωή (zōē, "life"): This word means more than just being alive; it often refers to spiritual life or the new life believers have in Christ. Paul contrasts his own suffering with the spiritual vitality seen in the Corinthians.

Why 2 Corinthians 4:12 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Christian ministry is always easy or comfortable; Paul is honest about the real cost to himself.
  • Paul’s contrast between "death" and "life" highlights how the sacrifices of some can bring blessings to others, a theme that runs through his letters.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the wider passage, where Paul explains the paradoxes of Christian service—weakness leading to strength, and suffering resulting in life for others.

Where else these words appear

“worketh” Greek G1754 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
  • Galatians 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
  • Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

“So” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

“life” Greek G2222 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  • Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.